Fidesz-KDNP mayor exits party after endorsing Tisza candidate

The mayor of Bátonyterenye, István Orosz, has announced his departure from the Fidesz-KDNP (Christian Democratic People’s Party) after endorsing the candidate of the opposition Tisza Party.

In a Facebook post addressed to party leader and Deputy Prime Minister Zsolt Semjén, Orosz confirmed that he had not been kicked out, but formally left the Fidesz-KDNP coalition and promised to explain his decision in greater detail in the coming days. The announcement came after another post in which the mayor declared his intention to support an opposition candidate in the upcoming parliamentary election.

Leaves Fidesz-KDNP, supports opposition

Orosz stated that he would cast his vote for Zoltán Szafkó, the candidate of the Tisza Party in the Nógrád 1 constituency, writes Telex. The district is widely regarded as a closely contested seat, where the opposition faces an uphill battle against the incumbent pro-government representative. In his remarks, the mayor also criticised the current MP, accusing him of yielding to economic and political interests that led to the establishment of a controversial battery recycling facility in the town.

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Battery plant at centre of dispute

The South Korean-operated plant has become a focal point of local discontent. Residents and local officials have raised concerns about environmental and health risks, with allegations that hazardous materials are being improperly stored. A previously leaked recording of a local politician describing the facility as harmful has further fuelled tensions.

The municipality has taken legal action to challenge the plant’s expansion permit, arguing that authorities failed to adequately assess its environmental impact. According to the complaint, the site processes large quantities of predominantly hazardous waste near residential areas and a water base.

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He did not hold back in his interview

In another interview he gave to 24.hu, Orosz went further, using unusually strong language to describe the situation. The former police officer, who identifies as a conservative, said he had once been a supporter of Prime Minister Viktor Orbán but had since become deeply disillusioned.

He pointed to national controversies surrounding industrial safety and environmental risks as a turning point, arguing that dismissing such concerns had “crossed a line”. According to Orosz, issues like public health and environmental protection should transcend party politics.

He also claimed that Hungary shows signs of “state capture”, suggesting that political and economic power are too closely intertwined. Despite his resignation from Fidesz-KDNP, he stressed that his core values remain unchanged, but added that he could no longer support candidates he holds responsible for decisions affecting his town. Orosz said his ultimate goal is to ensure clean water and a safe environment for residents, even if it means confronting former political allies.